Hockey Tournament Hat-Trick Expects Business Prosperity

Pax could bring in more money for local businesses.

Three youth hockey tournaments are held in the Northwest Suburbs in March, including the USA Hockey National High School tournament. The Plymouth Ice Center is a prime venue for national high school tournaments. New Hope Ice Arena hosts regional bantam tournaments, while Maple Grove Ice Arena hosts Tier II 18U national tournaments.

Experience Minnesota’s Gretchen Wilbrandt said the tournament could be a boon for local businesses, especially restaurants and hotels. Similar tournaments held in other cities pumped her as much as $2.5 million into the local economy.

Maple Grove’s Lookout Bar and Grill will host specials for teams and use the space to cater to large numbers of hungry players and weary parents.

“Having 40 people in one room, 60 in another, and 120 in the front gives us flexibility,” says Lookout owner Mike Kinnan.

The Lookout Bar and Grill near the Maple Grove Community Center hopes to serve the hockey family.

The All-American High School Tournament will feature 50 teams from states with less hockey infrastructure than Minnesota. However, there is still a lot of talent on the ice, and local youth hockey coaches encourage their players to check out the action.

Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey Association President Brian Thul said:

See: USA Hockey National High School Tournament in Plymouth 2023

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